The danger years

Ashley Madison's slogan used to be 'Life is short. Have an affair' but it's not anymore

At this age, people are TWICE as likely to cheat on their partners than at any other age. It's not just '39' either - 29 and 49 were also cited as other 'danger years', although to a lesser extent than 39.

Across six studies, Adam L. Alter and Hal E. Hershfield from the Universities of New York and California respectively, found towards the end of each decade, people become more preoccupied "with aging, and were more likely to wonder whether their lives were meaningful."

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The researchers said these concerns lead to behaviours that "suggest a search for, or a crisis of meaning" - such as an affair.

The findings continued by suggesting, "This could lead to a rise in behaviors that 'suggest a search for, or a crisis of meaning,' such as an affair."

A large amount of Brits admitted to cheating (Image: Getty)

What they also took pains to point, however, was that infidelity is difficult to study because - shocker - it's difficult to find willing and open participants.

And the study is not the most accurate metric - it was commissioned and backed by the IllicitEncounters after all. So don't preoccupy yourself unduly if you're partner's approaching their 39th birthday.